W San Francisco Names GM

Toni Knorr Moves to St. Regis Hotel

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. October 14, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 9, 2007. W Hotels Worldwide is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pace as general manager of W San Francisco, the city's foremost design hotel. Pace replaces Toni Knorr, the longtime W GM who recently took over the general manager duties at the St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco.

Pace joins W San Francisco from Kimpton Hotels, where he has successfully led various San Francisco hotels as general manager since 1998. His most recent position was that of general manager for the 236-room Hotel Serrano in San Francisco. Known for his passionate commitment to guest services, Pace has also established himself as a vocal advocate for environmental issues. While at Kimpton Hotels, he created and launched the company-wide "Earthcare" program, one of the leading environmental programs in the hospitality industry. To date, the program has received more than 18 environmental awards and certifications nationwide. Pace is frequently invited to speak at national environmental meetings. Additionally, Pace is actively involved in the local community, serving as a director on the board for the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, chairman of the Hotel & Restaurant Foundation's scholarship committee, as well as developing hotel internships with local universities, and supporting non-profits through leadership in the Hotel Nonprofit Collaborative.

"I am excited to join the W team and look forward to contributing to W San Francisco's continued success," said Pace. "W San Francisco is one of the brand's signature properties, offering a trendsetting mix of innovative design, thoughtful amenities and a strong cultural aesthetic. I have long been intrigued by the unique W guest experience, and I very much look forward to raising the bar even higher."

The 31-story, 410-guestroom W San Francisco, designed by Hornberger & Worstell, opened its doors in May 1999, introducing the W brand to the West Coast. Since then, W San Francisco and XYZ restaurant have received numerous accolades, including Travel + Leisure's "500 Best Hotels in the World," the AAA four-diamond award, and Wine Spectator's Best of "Award of Excellence."

XYZ, the hotel's 90-seat destination restaurant, features a menu of sumptuous seasonal California-inspired dishes and an award-winning wine list. The mezzanine bar overlooking the restaurant offers an unparalleled list of vintages, cocktails and light fare.

The W Caf'e, adjacent to XYZ, provides a relaxed setting for morning coffee and in the evening transforms into a stylish rendezvous for drinks and events. A favorite venue for art exhibitions, film screenings, fashion gatherings and music events, W San Francisco has firmly established itself as the most hip, stylish and forward-thinking luxury hotel in the city.

Located on the forth floor of the hotel, Bliss Spa, best known for its fun approach to body and skin care, is a 5,000-square-foot, full-service spa that offers a retail boutique, three movie-while-you-manicure nail stations equipped with personal flat screen TVs and DVD players, eight treatment rooms, and men's and women's lounges opening onto adjoining terraces with cityscape views.

W San Francisco is located at 181 Third Street at Howard. Telephone: 415.777.5300. Web site: www.whotels.com/sanfrancisco.